Your location and plans can affect the type of holster you need because it influences what you wear. There are also places where you can and cannot legally carry a gun, so do a little research to know what is within your rights.
AROUND THE HOUSE AND WHILE RUNNING ERRANDS
You should feel safe in your home, yet home invasions happen every day. Since we often let our guards down at home, being threatened in our own house can catch us off guard and in a vulnerable state. Being prepared may mean having access to a firearm through a quick-access safe, or it might mean carrying a gun on your body. The nice thing about wearing a gun in your home's comfort is that there is less pressure to avoid printing, so there is more flexibility with the type of holster you choose.
It is better to be safe than sorry out running errands because we never know when danger will arise. We don't want people to detect our firearm in public, so the type of holster you choose may depend on your clothing.
PROFESSIONAL ENVIRONMENT
Choosing to conceal carry at work could potentially save your life and the lives of your co-workers. Make sure you’re aware of your company’s policy on firearms. If your place of employment allows concealed carry, you’ll need to conceal your firearm in a way that meets the dress code.
Business casual staples may or may not have belt loops, which can affect your ability to wear a Kydex holster. If your dress pants have belt loops, go ahead and try a belt and Kydex holster. However, if they don’t feature loops or perhaps the material is too thin to support the gun, a bellyband provides a way to carry over your appendix.
With dresses, a thigh holster or concealed carry purse comes in handy. Just remember, when carrying a gun in your purse, you should always keep the bag within your control. Click here to read about the one thing you must never do if you conceal carry in a purse.
SHOPPING OR OUT TO EAT WITH FRIENDS
When out in public, you can’t assume everyone has good intentions. Make sure to turn on your situational awareness and stay in your group because there is safety in numbers.
There is a wide variety of appropriate clothes for this environment, giving you freedom when choosing a holster.
DOMESTIC TRAVEL
When I conceal carry while traveling, I like to be comfortable, so I often wear jeans or leggings. With jeans, a Kydex holster, and with leggings, I'd wear a bellyband. Depending on how long my drive is, I may carry in a purse, so the gun doesn't feel uncomfortable when I sit for long periods.
Keep in mind that concealed carry handgun laws vary from state to state, so make sure to know the regulations for each state you'll be visiting or driving through.
The method of transportation will also affect how you carry. According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), you can fly domestically with unloaded firearms stored in the proper safety container in your checked baggage. To read more on flying with a firearm, click HER
